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Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler stated that Türkiye has no plans to withdraw its military forces from Syria or Iraq, emphasizing that only Ankara will decide when to pull out, regardless of agreements between other parties.
Speaking to Turkish media outlet Hurriyet, Guler was asked about suggestions that Turkish forces should withdraw following the agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF.
"There is no such thing right now. We have no agenda for withdrawing or leaving those areas," Guler said.
"The decision to withdraw from those areas will be made by the Republic of Türkiye. We don't care what others say. There is no such decision at present," he added.
When asked if this applies to both Syria and Iraq, Guler confirmed, "Yes."
Asked whether terrorism has ended now that the SDF is integrating into the Syrian National Army and the YPG is dissolving, Guler said Türkiye continues to plan for all scenarios.
"We plan for every alternative. Right now, a resurgence of terrorism is not visible. But that doesn't mean it won't happen. Therefore, we continue to take our precautions," he noted.
Guler also addressed the situation on Türkiye's border with Iran amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.
"There is no problem; we have taken the necessary precautions," Guler said.
Asked about the possibility of a migration wave from Iran, he noted that heavy snowfall in the region makes a significant influx unlikely.
"There is already heavy snowfall in the region. We don't expect a serious wave; maybe there could be a few isolated crossings. We have taken our precautions," he said.
Asked about Türkiye's exclusion from the European Union's new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, Guler pointed to the frigate sale as an example of Türkiye's contribution to European security.
"Look, for example, are we participating in European security with that warship as well? Yes. We are already part of European security," Guler said.
On renewed EU engagement, he added, "Regarding the EU, it is valuable that such contacts are beginning to be made again."
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